Darline Graham, a political newcomer, secured a victory in the special Republican primary runoff on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, on the South Carolina ballot. The Associated Press projected her win, which followed a special Senate primary earlier this month.
Graham, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, defeated Representative Ralph Norman. Norman, a conservative and member of the Freedom Caucus, had also advanced to the runoff. With this win, Graham is set to face Democratic candidate Annie Andrews in the November general election.
Speaking to supporters in Columbia, South Carolina, Graham acknowledged the challenging period for her family, expressing mixed emotions due to her grief. She thanked God, her supporters, her family, and specifically President Trump for his backing, emphasizing the bond between her brother and the former president and declaring South Carolina as Trump country.
Graham presented her status as an outsider as an advantage, citing Trump’s support as a key reason for conservatives to back her. Trump’s endorsement included a rally in Myrtle Beach, one of his initial major campaign stops for the 2026 midterms. Graham stated that critics who called her not a politician were correct, drawing a parallel to Trump’s lack of prior elected office experience.
Norman, in contrast, highlighted his experience as his resume, suggesting that conservatives could trust him over a less-known candidate. He criticized what he called the establishment’s choice and questioned Trump’s involvement in a GOP-leaning state race rather than focusing on more competitive contests. The White House, when asked about Norman’s comments, referred to Trump’s social media posts endorsing Graham.
Graham faced scrutiny from some Republicans regarding her political inexperience and occasional missteps. During a debate with Norman last Tuesday, she was asked about Taiwan and the South China Sea as national security issues. She responded by saying she was not informed on national security but supported the military, admitting she was not a polished politician. This comment drew criticism from Norman’s allies, including former Governor Nikki Haley, who noted Lindsey Graham’s focus on national security.
Norman, in an interview, called Graham’s answer surprising and emphasized the importance of national security, stating there was no time for on-the-job training. Graham later acknowledged she felt she had answered incorrectly but told voters that their primary concerns were the price of groceries, gas, and healthcare costs, not Taiwan. She also affirmed her belief in the importance of national security and her commitment to becoming more informed, again referencing President Trump’s initial lack of political experience.
David Woodard, a political scientist who managed some of Lindsey Graham’s early campaigns, anticipated low turnout for the runoff, with voters likely being highly engaged Republicans. He noted that some voters initially had sympathy for Darline but also recognized Ralph Norman’s credibility on issues where Graham might be perceived as lacking. However, some voters were swayed by Trump’s endorsement and Graham’s focus on economic issues. Mike Funderburk, a contractor from Neeses, South Carolina, who voted early for Graham, cited the economy as his top concern and expressed willingness to give her the benefit of the doubt despite an expected learning curve.
